Arthritis and MSM

Learn how MSM affects arthritis, the research that supports it, and possible side effects.

It is a common practice among individuals that suffer from the conditions known as arthritis to take dietary supplements to help them manage the pain, inflammation, and stiff joints, they have. MSM is one of the dietary supplements that has been found to help these individuals deal with this condition.

MSM is an organic sulfur compound that exists in such foods as grains, vegetables, and in fruits. It is also present in animals and in humans. The scientific name is Methylsulfonylmethane.

In order for connective tissues to form your body requires sulfur. Adding MSM in your diet can help in the formation of these connective tissues, and it appears to have analgesic properties. The compound lessens the nerve impulses that carry pain signals to the brain.

Arthritis is a painful condition that causes joint inflammation in one or more joints of the human body. Arthritis is the term used for many different conditions that affect the joints of the body.

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was done to test the effectiveness of MSM on arthritis pain in the knee.

All of the patients tested were between the ages of 40 and 76 years.

There were fifty test subjects that were given either MSM 3g, or a placebo, twice daily for a period lasting twelve weeks. The patients were watched and the results were recorded.

After compiling the results, the study indicated that the people that had taken the MSM 3g reported having a significant reduction in their pain. They also reported a reduced amount of physical function impairment and an increase in the ability to perform their activities of daily living.